ETHICAL PRODUCTION, THEN & NOW
“The long-lasting partnership between Miquelina and Páramo shows that economic development and product quality can go hand in hand with human development and social justice”.
-Rudi Dalvai, World Fair Trade Organization President
Páramo Directional Clothing Systems was incorporated in 1992 and was set up by the founder and owner of Nikwax, Nick Brown.
Disillusioned with conventional outdoor clothing, Nick set about observing the way in which mammals stay dry and comfortable. Looking at their fur, he soon realized nature’s wise ways, whereby water is pumped away faster than it can be pushed in. He observed too, the manner in which trees draw water to great heights by ‘wicking’, helped by the evaporation of water from their leaves. Thus Páramo was born.
Páramo is an area in the Andes, South America above the tree line and below the snow. It was here that Nick chose to first test his fabrics.
The next step was to advance from fabric to actual clothing manufacture on a commercial scale. Prototypes of several garments were produced and Nick was able to test the new fabric to its limits, staying warm, dry and comfortable (with the emphasis on comfortable) on a trip to the Colombian Andes.
In 1992 production started in Bogotá. Here, Nick found a sewing workshop employing some dozen women using just two machines.
The place was run by the Miquelina Foundation which, led by Sister Ester Castano, had been set up to help women in desperate situations learn trades and earn money.
MIQELINA TODAY:
There are now more than twelve dozen women employed at the factory, making some 4000 garments every month, on 120 machines.
Most employees have a formal qualification. The factory has gained the coveted ISO 9001 Standard and, in 2017, achieved membership of the World Fair Trade Organization. All garments manufactured at Miquelina now carry the World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade label.
Páramo and Miquelina have grown together over 30 years, providing employment and training for over 10,000 women. In February 2022, Páramo integrated the management of the Miquelina factory into its business, ensuring these women also receive an equal stake in the Employee-Owned Trust’s future, and securing our production partnership with them for years to come.
EMPLOYEE-OWNED
On 1st February 2022, Nick Brown sold Páramo Directional Clothing to the people that know it best - its employees. Together with our sister company, Nikwax®, and Creaciones Miquelina in Bogotá, Colombia, we became an employee-owned business.
Run through an Employee-Owned Trust, all employees now receive an equal stake in the companies’ futures, which in turn ensures Páramo’s social and ecological founding values are secured for many years to come.
Nick Brown Páramo Founder
THE ADVANTAGES OF PÁRAMO DIRECTIONAL FABRICS
The difference between Páramo Directional waterproofs and conventional breathable waterproofs lies in the ‘Directional’ function. The fabrics we use do not merely hold water back (waterproof) or passively pass moisture vapor (breathe), but actively ‘Direct’ liquid water into the right spot.
What are the advantages over conventional waterproofs and Soft Shell fabrics?
The difference between Páramo Directional waterproofs and Soft Shell technologies lies in Páramo’s superior level of waterproof protection without hazardous PFAS treatments.
Both soft shell and conventional (hard shell) waterproof breathable fabrics can only cope with 20% of the sweat you produce when working hard. For real comfort you need Páramo’s Directionality to pump away the other 80%.
1. Fully weatherproof without PFAS
The use of per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS) in waterproof outdoor clothing pollutes the environment and can be dangerous for humans and animals. All Nikwax fabrics undergo strict testing to guarantee that they are 100% free from PFAS-treatments.
2. Keeping you dry - even in high humidity conditions
Both conventional waterproofs and soft shells fail in conditions of high humidity. Páramo continues to pump water away from you whatever the humidity.
3. Rapid recovery
Due to their ability to mechanically pump liquid away from the body, our fabrics can dry out even when stationary, avoiding uncomfortable cooling when you stop to rest after working hard.
4. Renewability
The performance of Páramo Directional Waterproofs can be indefinitely renewed by caring for them with Nikwax products.
Conventional membranes on the other hand, can eventually fracture and crack and then cannot be repaired.
5. Keeps on working
You could fill a Directional Waterproof garment with pins, take them out, wear the garment in the rain and still stay dry! Puncture of the outer or inner fabric will not lead to leakage.
6. Soft, but very strong fabrics
Páramo Directional Waterproofs are much softer than coated or membrane based garments, and yet they are just as strong.
7. Warmth
Being warm as well as dry means you can leave behind some of your insulation layers. Adjustable ventilation provides comfort in warm as well as cool conditions.
8. Quiet fabrics
The rustle and crunch of coated or membrane fabrics is a thing of the past with Páramo. Páramo Directional Waterproofs are made using tough and flexible fabrics.
9. Repairable
Unlike coated or membrane based garments, Páramo Directional Waterproofs can be repaired with a needle and thread without compromising performance.
GEAR THAT LASTS
Páramo garments last longer than traditional waterproof apparel, offering renewable waterproof performance, repairability, and a robust guarantee. All Paramo garments are mono-material and therefore recyclable at the end of their useful lives
The Páramo Advantage
Páramo garments offer significant advantages over other manufacturers’ garments in terms of durability and longevity. The waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with Nikwax aftercare products. The correct aftercare is vital to maintaining the performance of the directional fabrics and therefore prolonging the life of the garment.
Should a garment become damaged or require alteration, Páramo offers a comprehensive repair and alteration service at a reasonable cost.
If it’s no longer needed, we’ll take it back!
Páramo is always looking for the path of least environmental impact. Páramo Re-Store Adventure is our way of providing a safe route for the disposal of unwanted garments. We’ll take back any Páramo product (except underwear), and either find it a new home, or recycle it into new fabric. As a reward for getting old gear back to us, you can expect a generous discount on new Páramo products.
What we do with old gear:
Repair and re-use...
It is always preferable to re-use before recycling, so if an old garment can be refurbished at reasonable cost, our expert workshop will do so. Repaired and refurbished items then make their way to appreciative new owners.
Recycle...
If an item is beyond repair, it is stripped of any useful components and baled up ready for shipping to a specialist recycling facility. We use a chemical recycling process which, unlike traditional textile recycling, preserves the value and quality of the material. This ensures the material doesn’t enter a spiral of “downcycling” which eventually ends up in landfill.
Páramo Re-Store Adventure
AFTERCARE AND GARMENT MAINTENANCE
Cleaning
WHY should you clean a waterproof garment?
Correct aftercare is essential for maintaining the performance of these unique fabrics, preventing dirt build up and refreshing the DWR treatment. The waterproofing on a Páramo garment is renewable indefinitely with Nikwax aftercare products, such as Tech Wash®
WHEN should you clean a waterproof garment?
When the outer fabric starts to absorb water, its water-repellency is fading and a clean is required. Once cleaned in Nikwax Tech Wash, if water beads off the outer fabric again, there is no need to re-proof at this stage.
Waterproofing
WHY should you re-proof a waterproof garment?
Over time, and through regular use, the waterproofing on a Páramo garment will fade and it will need re-proofing. Washing garments in Nikwax TX.Direct will refresh the DWR on the fabrics and components and can be done indefinitely to keep Páramo garments working for many years.
WHEN should you re-proof a waterproof garment?
When a waterproof has been cleaned in Nikwax Tech Wash, water should be run over the outer fabric while it is still wet. If the water passes through the fabric easily, it is time to re-proof with Nikwax TX Direct.
Nikwax products are water-based and safe to use. No propellant gases, non-toxic, no PFAS, and environmentally safe. By using Nikwax you can renew your gear and reduce your impact.
JACKETS
MEN’S & WOMEN’S VELEZ JACKET
$380
A lightweight, high performance and comfortable waterproof jacket for high energy outdoor activities in temperate climates.
The multiple ventilation options combined with the Nikwax® Analogy® Waterproof system allows the jacket to operate in warmer temperatures and during intensive activities, while still providing excellent weather protection.
• Two large “dual phase” secure chest pockets also work as vents:
- Torso pocket/vent is accessed via an outer zip
- Generous chest pockets are accessed via inner zips. The right hand pocket has a secondary zipped internal pocket for small valuables.
• Forward facing, mesh-lined arm vents with locking YKK zips for quick ventilation
• Helmet compatible wire peaked ‘halo’ hood provides excellent field of vision and one-handed adjustment
• Hood can be rolled away securely using a hook and loop tab.
• Reflective trim placed around the jacket provides a body outline allowing clear visibility of the wearer in poor conditions.
• Design is harness, pack and helmet compatible; all adjusters operate with a single gloved hand for quick and precise
adjustment.
• Scooped hem with draw-cord adjustment allows for close fit when weather protection is needed.
Men’s
SMOCKS
MEN’S & WOMEN’S VELEZ ADVENTURE SMOCK
$390
A durable, high performance and comfortable directional waterproof pullover jacket for use during high energy multi-activities in cold and wet conditions.
Superior weather protection, sweat management, and temperature control are provided by Nikwax® Analogy® Waterproof fabric combined with two-way twin zips and forward facing arm vents.
• Two-way twin front zips with inner, snapped baffles, and upper arm vents, allow venting for maximum temperature control - even on the move.
• Double-layer lining at the lower and upper back, and shoulders, provides comfort for technical backpack use.
• Fully adjustable roll-away ‘halo’ hood with wired peak provides excellent field of vision and protection.
• Fully articulated shoulders and elbows, and a cropped front, ensure maximum freedom of movement.
• One large ‘dry’ zipped chest pocket and one inner ‘dry’ zipped pocket for storage of larger items. A small secure pocket within the chest pocket can store essential items.
• Drop tail with hem draw-cord for lower back protection.
• Reflective trim on the front and back of the hood, cuffs, and on the front and back chest seams gives maximum visibility.
• Drop tail with hem draw-cord protects the lower back.
• Hook and loop cuffs with BiteTab closure provide easy adjustment and push up function.
Men’s Available colors:
Women’s available colors:
Men’s 720g
Women’s 710g
MEN’S & WOMEN’S VELEZ EVOLUTION HYBRID SMOCK
$470
A multi-season, high energy waterproof jacket, that delivers full weather protection and all mountain performance.
The extensive and innovative ventilation options give unrivalled adaptability for moving faster and further across all four seasons. Nikwax® Analogy® waterproof fabric guarantees hard-wearing weatherproofing and perspiration removal, combined with excellent features for top mountain performance.
• Twin zip design and forward facing arm vents offer excellent ventilation options for optimum temperature control.
• Large “dry” zipped drop pocket and an external twin zipped tunnel hand warming pocket.
• Excellent field of vision and protection provided by a fully adjustable, securable helmet compatible hood.
• Fully articulated shoulders and elbows with stretch articulation panels allow maximum freedom of movement.
• Easy push up sleeves with BiteTab closure for adjustment on the go.
• Scooped tail with elasticated adjustable hem for improved lower back protection.
• Pack and harness compatible.
• Reflective trim positioned around the jacket to present an outline when illuminated.
Hot Coral Dark Grey Black
Gold Indigo
Men’s 720g
Women’s 710g
Women’s available colors:
Fire Indigo
Cumin Dark Grey Black
Men’s available colors:
LEGWEAR
MEN’S & WOMEN’S CASCADA II TROUSERS
$240
The Cascada II Trousers are Páramo’s solution to an age-old problem by removing the need for regular stops to pull on or pull off a waterproof shell.
These trim-fit pants with a contoured shape offer extensive leg ventilation and provide complete comfort. Full waterproof protection guaranteed for the widest variety of hiking conditions.
• 3/4 length reversed side zips with internal snapped storm baffles for easy and rapid temperature adjustment.
• Articulated knee and gusset areas for maximum freedom of movement.
• Trim-fit and contoured shape for a lighter weight, stylish-looking, all-day waterproof pant
• Double layer of Pump Liner in seat, thigh and knee areas for additional protection.
• Elasticised waistband with belt loops for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
• Two external hip pockets with reversed zip closure for handwarming and secure storage.
• Zip fly with snap.
• Ankle volume adjustment to suit different footwear and activities.
Women’s available colors:
Men’s 481g
Women’s 478g
Men’s available colors:
